| Trim your bottom, increase bottom line |
| By Alan Corey • Bankrate.com |
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Fall is officially here. Leaves are
falling, stocks are falling and even corporations
are falling. Maybe Chicken Little was on to something.
Everything around us seems to be in a downward spiral.
The only thing that seems to go up times of crisis,
if you're like me, is your waist size.
Shaky markets can lead to more hours in the office, which can lead to less time for taking care of yourself physically and financially. Your hours at the gym are suddenly cut back because you're being overworked in the office. Weekend outings usually spent shopping for healthier food options take a back seat to the convenience of drive-throughs and delivery.
Simultaneously, a bombardment of way-too-early
holiday advertisements makes you impulsively hand
over your money, even when there are office layoffs
happening all around. And if you're among the few
lucky enough to be in a stable job situation, be aware
you are most likely exchanging raises and year-end
bonuses this year for better cubicle locations and
title changes. As you know, having "Senior" added
to your business card still doesn't help buy presents
for Junior.
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| 2 steps to fiscal, physical fitness |
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So how do you grow your bottom line,
without growing your bottom at the same time? With
just two easy additions to your weekly routine, you
can be a little bit wealthier and healthier. Who can
say no to that?
Step 1. Resurrect your fitness resolution
OK, remember that New Year's resolution to save money and lose weight that you forgot all about by Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Well, let's breathe some new life into it. You'll need to double the effort to catch up on the last 10 months, but ending the year with a bang makes starting next year with a bang that much easier.
Getting back on track is as easy as a Sunday walk. From now on, this Sunday and every Sunday going forward, you have a new task. Take a run, jog or romantic walk with your wallet to your ATM. Skip the drive in the SUV to your bank. You need to get there using your legs. Keep moving past that doughnut and coffee shop. Stride strong past those closer, more convenient, banks that aren't yours so you can avoid those pesky ATM fees.
Get to your bank without any sort of vehicle and without stopping. Remember, you are getting on track financially and physically, so these are not times for shortcuts. The extra mile will go a long way here. I'm well aware that the first mile is probably already reminding you why you canned that resolution in the first place. But both of your bottom lines will be smiling if you keep at it throughout the rest of the year.
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